Foodies win as job losses bite
A main course including wine and coffee for $25; a two-course meal for $50: share plates with premium wine for $45: these are some of the ways Perth’s posh restaurants are keeping customers keen as the decline of the WA resources sector affects business dining and restaurant revenues.
According to city restaurateurs surveyed this week by The Weekend West, the rules are changing quickly as mass retrenchments across the resources sector have virtually ended discretionary business entertaining.
“Lunches have dropped off,” The Stables Bar’s Tim McLernon said.
“We miss the Chevron and Woodside crowd.”
Taylor, who operates the Frasers group of restaurants and steakhouses, says he has had to change the way lunch is served to keep it attractive.
“We’re offering share plates which gives diners a good selection of food and premium wine by the glass. They can be done and dusted for $45 a head.”
It’s a similar scenario at Print Hall restaurant, where owners Colonial Leisure Group have recently introduced a “50/50” lunch that promises to deliver two courses for $50 and have the business diner in and out of the restaurant in 50 minutes.
Print Hall is The West Australian Restaurant Of the Year and its new menu is indicative of the CBD’s new dining economy: high-end restaurants serving premium food at a value price.
“It’s a great time for customers,” bar owner Andy Freeman said.
“They’re getting unprecedented value-for-money and choice.”
“Many of us in the industry have long been anti-discount — if you compete solely on price, no one wins — but things have changed, we’re all in the same boat now.”
Freeman won’t be doing deals at his Varnish and Flour Factory venues, preferring a menu that includes what he calls, “price appropriate” dishes. “We’re working on a range of under-$20 plates.”
St George’s Terrace stalwart Trustee offers a $25 main course special each day. “We want to price the menu so that our regulars feel they can come two or three times a week,” Trustee head chef Drew Callander said.
“It’s worked well.”
Perth's best value bites
There’s lots of value to be had at the inexpensive, quality noodle houses and Asian restaurants springing up all over the CBD.
These cut price venues have becoming increasingly popular with the corporate set – it’s not uncommon these days to see men and women in suits throwing back a $12 bowl of pho or a plate of fresh noodles.
But it is the city’s most renowned dining rooms which in many cases are offering the best value. This is our pick:
Trustee. $25 main course. Limited to 20 portions per day.
Print Hall. Two courses for $50 (three for $65).
Varnish On King. Selected dishes under $20 (begins in May).
The Terrace Restaurant. $25 main course including a glass of wine or tap beer and coffee service.
Frasers. $45 per head selection of share plates with wines. No set prices as such: $45 is based on average spend.
The Painted Bird. $30 (four piece) tasting plate starter and main course.
The Stables. Monday-Wednesday $15 “Love your lunch” specials with five or six options each day.
Lalla Rookh. They don’t offer deals, but the “Il Capo” menu of six sharing courses for $58 is great value.
Greenhouse. No specific deals, but a range of salads and “grazing” dishes bring a main course and glass of wine under $25.
